How do I compile C++ source code?

[Bossk128]

Forgive me, I've no clue about coding or compiling.

I've got some source code downloaded from the internet which I'm sure is in C++ (extensions are .cpp, .h, and some files such as makefile with no extension).

I've installed MS Visual C++ Express for free in the vain hope I could load up the files and click the big green 'compile' button at the top of the screen, but I'm lost- VC++E works with 'projects' but even when I can load files the option to compile has disappeared (from the right click menu).

Are there any quick n easy guides out there? Would I be better with MiniGW? Are there any legalities involved as I'm having trouble finding step by step guides myself?

Thanks in advance.

 

[BillytheImpaler]

Are there build instructions in the source files anywhere? Make files are frequently used by the GNU make utility on Unix-like systems to automate the build process. Be sure it's supposed to compile for Windows in the first place.

 

[Burnsy2023]

Two ways.

Either import it into an IDE like devc++ (uses the gcc compiler) and use the GUI to compile or download the gcc compiler and do it from the command line.

http://www.bloodshed.net/devcpp.html
http://gcc.gnu.org/

 

[uv]

download an app called gpp - it's the gnome C++ compiler that runs under windows CLI

>gpp file.cpp

 

[Burnsy2023]

download an app called gpp - it's the gnome C++ compiler that runs under windows CLI

>gpp file.cpp

GCC works the same but is in much wider use